Jonesboro, AR – (Contributed) – July 29, 2024 – In Northeast Arkansas, seniors are experiencing hunger at a staggering rate of 7.6% of the state’s population. For these seniors, the choice often comes down to essentials like groceries or medicine, groceries or rent, groceries or utilities. Recognizing this dire need, the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, alongside other local nonprofits, started the Senior Food Pantry Network. Through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and the Senior Food Pantry Network, the Food Bank provides much-needed support to seniors facing food insecurity. CSFP is an income-based program available to individuals over 60 years of age who need food assistance.

“It’s hard to find help with groceries when your rent is high and utilities are high as well. Falling on hard times, but the Food Bank helps when people need it most.”
– Anonymous Senior

Prior to the Senior Food Pantry Network, the Food Bank operated a Senior Pack program which served approximately 200 seniors each month at its peak. Through the Senior Food Pantry Program, the Food Bank can now serve more than 1,600 seniors every month. Each month, seniors receive a nutritionally balanced food box along with nutrition education.

Thanks to programs such as CSFP and the Senior Food Pantry Network, Arkansas has made great strides in reducing senior food insecurity, now coming in at number 10 in the nation for food insecurity within the senior citizen community. While this number is shocking, it is a significant difference from 2014, when Arkansas ranked number 1 in the nation.

“As the USDA Coordinator, I’ve come to quickly understand the unique and critical role the Commodity Supplemental Food Program has for our senior neighbors. While it’s always a privilege to get food into the hands of those who need it most (through our other USDA programs), I love that we get to see our CSFP neighbors at the Food Bank every month and build more meaningful connections with those we’re serving.”
– Natalie Neal, USDA Coordinator

Without the proper nutrition, seniors facing food insecurity are at a higher risk of health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and asthma. Food-insecure seniors are also two times more likely to suffer from depression.

This is why CSFP is so important in our communities. The Food Bank recognizes that food is medicine to people facing hunger. The Senior Food Pantry Network helps seniors worry less about where their next meal will come from so they can focus more on their health. A complete list of Senior Food Pantries can be found here.

“I’ve had moments where I get angry and feel depressed because I am hungry. I am struggling a lot being on a set monthly income.”
– Anonymous Senior